X-bit labs

WirelessHD Interconnection Specification Finalized.

Category: Multimedia

by Anton Shilov

[ 01/02/2008 | 11:27 PM ]

WirelessHD special interest group announced late on Wednesday that the 1.0 specification of the standard that allows wireless transmission of high-definition copyright-protected video had been finalized. Completion of the WirelessHD specification enables CE manufacturers to focus on their WirelessHD-based product development efforts, though, it was unclear when those products are available.

WirelessHD or WiHD, is a wireless high definition digital interface standard operating in the unlicensed and globally available 60GHz frequency band and represents the first consumer application of 60GHz technology. It is suitable for a wide range of devices including televisions, HD disc players, set-top boxes, camcorders, gaming consoles, adapter products, as well as other source devices.

WirelessHD’s 4Gb/s high-speed wireless digital interface and secure content protection technology ensures that future products developed based on the specification will provide consumers with a secure, quick and easy way to connect, play, transmit and port their HD content among a wide range of devices. The specification also includes provisions for universal remote control of all WirelessHD compliant devices.

“With the completion of the WirelessHD specification, consumer electronics manufacturers can focus on their WirelessHD-based product development efforts. This important industry initiative will change the way manufacturers develop and market devices, as well as reshape how consumers interface with these products,” said John Marshall, chairman of WirelessHD.

Initially, WiHD specification was projected to be completed by Spring ’07, however, it was delayed by several quarters for an unknown reason. It is also uncertain when actual products featuring WirelessHD technology are available.

At present WirelessHD special interest group is currently comprised of Intel Corp., LG Electronics, Matsushita Electric Industrial (Panasonic), NEC Corp., Samsung Electronics, Sibeam, Sony Corp. and Toshiba Corp.